Kathleen's day with the "big kids"

We mentioned previously that we're sort of sticklers about sleep. We've been that way about sleep since Kathleen arrived. (Well, to be fair, Daddy has always jealously guarded his sleep. Just ask the sisters who were sent to wake him in the morning for school. That was a dangerous assignment!) But our status as "sleep sticklers" was cemented by our second-born. Kathleen was naturally a great (nighttime) sleeper. And for a while, we thought that Madeline would grow into it. Perhaps she will. You know, when she gets to college.

For now, when Madeline misses a nap, it seriously upsets her nighttime sleep. She'll go to bed normally, but will waken and cry, unable to settle without rocking and singing and -- if she's feeling particularly ornery -- milk. And she'll do that more than once.

So, when we were planning a sight-seeing tour of San Francisco for Margaret, Matt, and Lizzy, we agreed that the daylong trek, while fun, would be too much for Madeline. But since Kathleen has largely abandoned her nap (in favor of quiet time with books or other activities), we decided that could go with her cousins and her father. Kathleen was ecstatic to be one of the "big kids." Madeline, who hates being left out of anything, would have been devastated had we not distracted her with an exciting trip to the commissary with Mommy and John David just as everyone was leaving.

The "big kids" had a great time in the city. A few highlights:

1. The crew visited Pier 39 for some shopping and photos with the sea lions.
2. The weather, while less than ideal, was at least classic San Francisco. When they visited the Golden Gate, they could barely see it. . . Maybe that means they'll come back again.
3. With some clever driving and a fair bit of luck they managed to maneuver the minivan down the crooked portion of Lombard Street. . . without having to wait in the long, long line!
4. While at Pier 39, Daddy discovered that Kathleen is "at least this tall" and, consequently, able to ride the carousel alone. Kathleen showed not the slightest hesitation in climbing on the merry-go-round and onto her own horse. When Daddy called home to tell Mama, Mama nearly cried. When did our baby get so very big?

And what trip to the city would be complete without a visit to the beach? Daddy and Kathleen took our midwestern family to Baker Beach. Although the overcast weather meant they didn't get the amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, no one seemed to be complaining.

And we are happy to report that both Kathleen and Madeline slept soundly that night!